The trek connects the Zanskar Valley with the Lahaul Valley and starts from the quaint village of Shukto, nestled in the heart of the Miyar Valley. The Miyar Valley’s wildflower meadows, pristine alpine pastures, and tall granite towers comparable to Yosemite Valley in America attract many travelers worldwide. Here, seasoned alpinists and rock climbers have the opportunity to climb impressive rock towers, adding to their allure.
As you start your trek from Miyar Nalla, your eyes will be immediately drawn to the picturesque view of the Miyar River running and mingling with the Chandrabhaga River at Udaipur. The valley’s landscape changes dramatically after this point, with alpine meadows and lush green flowers giving way to the vast moraines, gradually evolving into chilling rivers seen from a distance. The enormous and endless moraines lead up to the Kang La, with the Kang La glacier stretched at about 10-13 km on each side, punctuated by dangerous crevasses across it.
If you’re lucky, the trek presents an opportunity to catch a glimpse of the Yak, Marmot, or Musk deer in their natural habitat. The Kang La pass was initially undertaken by the people residing in Lahaul, and it’s one of the highest and most remote passes on the Great Himalayan range where you can crossover from Himachal into Ladakh, which is Trans-Himalayan.
This trek remains one of the world’s most remote and hidden spots, and it offers its travelers one of the most scenic and exquisite views of the Himalayan trails. The beauty captured by the lush green flora, local Gaddi shepherds, sparkling streams, pristine glacial lakes, snow-clad peaks, and a stretch of almost 24 km long crevasse-infested glacier is second to none.
Crossing the Kang La means entering an entirely different world — the Zanskar Valley, with its ancient monasteries built on the edges of the mountains, welcomes you. The Zanskar Valley is a mystical land, enchanted and dug deep into esoteric practices and Eastern mysticism. The valley has been home to several different sects of Buddhism since the 8th Century, and there is a lot of history and culture dating back to the Bronze Age that one can uncover here. You can bear witness to the ancient ways that to this day continue to thrive and coexist with other religions through the many unique monasteries in the area.
- Day 1Arrival in Manali
Manali Altitude: 2,050 m (6,725 ft)
The Kang La Trek starts with your arrival in the beautiful mountain town of Manali. There are a variety of ways to reach Manali, but we highly recommend taking an overnight Volvo bus from Delhi or Chandigarh. After an exciting and adventurous journey, you will arrive in Manali in the morning, where you will be transferred to your hotel. Upon arrival, your expedition leader will meet you to brief you on the upcoming days of your thrilling trek. Additionally, they will assist you with any last-minute shopping to ensure that you’re fully prepared for the trek ahead. Once you have settled in, enjoy a leisurely stroll around Manali’s ancient streets and temples. Spend the evening enjoying the local food and culture of this hidden mountain paradise.
- Day 2 Manali to Shukto
Distance: 140 km
Time: 7 hours
Shukto Altitude: 3,470 m (11,385 ft)
To reach Shukto, we will embark on a scenic drive that will take us through some of the most breathtaking landscapes in India. Our journey begins in Manali from where we shall drive via Atal Tunnel, the world’s longest highway tunnel above 10,000 feet, and enter the enchanting Lahaul Valley. As we continue on the Manali-Leh highway, we will be greeted by the awe-inspiring views of the towering Himalayan mountains that surround us. We will then pass through Tandi, the place where two great rivers, the Chandra, and Bhaga, meet to form the mighty Chandrabhaga River.
From here, we will set out on a picturesque drive along the Chandrabhaga River and cross Udaipur where the Miyar River merges with the Chandrabhaga River. We will continue along the Miyar River, taking in the stunning views of the valley and the pristine mountain streams that flow through it. Finally, after an adventurous journey, we will reach Urgus, a small and charming village, before heading on to our destination, Shukto. In Shukto, we will rest for the night in the comfort of our camps, surrounded by the natural.
- Day 3 Shukto to Thanpattan
Distance: 12 km
Time: 8 hours
Thanpattan Altitude: 3,850 m (12,631 ft)
The day is finally here. Today we start our trek toward the mighty Kang La. Our trek begins with a pleasant walk, crossing over a quaint wooden pedestrian bridge – a sight that will remind you of the simplest things that can bring the greatest joy. You will then be welcomed by Khanjar, the last village of Miyar Valley. With Shukto and Khanjar parallel to each other, there exists between them a river that can be crossed by a tiny bridge. Take a moment to revel in the beauty that surrounds you, and you’ll be ready for the trek.
For the next 5-6 hours, you’ll be walking along the right side of the river, crossing some stunning campsites at Doksa till we finally reach our destination, Thanpattan. As we arrive, prepare yourself for a night under the stars – a sight that is never too common in cities these days. Gaze in awe as the sky illuminates with thousands of stars, reminding us of the vastness of our world and the spectacular adventures that await us. There’s no better way to soak up this breathtaking view than from the comfort of our own cozy camp.
- Day 4 Thanpattan to Zardung
Distance: 8 km
Time: 6 hours
Zardung Altitude: 3,880 m (12,730 ft)
On Day 4 of our trek from Thanpattan to Zardung, prepare yourself for an awe-inspiring experience. In the vast and grassy campsites that we will come across, you will be surrounded by beautiful flowers, making it look like a flower blanket has been laid before you. During this leg of our trek, we will be walking for 5-6 hours, but the stunning views of nature on the Himalayan trails will leave you rejuvenated. We will be turning northwest from Gumba Nalla and continuing to follow Miyar Nalla, the beautiful streams and white glaciers.
During this trek, prepare to lose yourself in the beautiful views of the lush green Meadows and sparkling chilled streams that will fill you with new energy to continue with your journey. Finally, we will reach our beautiful campsite at Zardung, surrounded by nature’s beauty, and retire for the night in our cozy camps.
- Day 5 Zardung to Kesar Yon Chhaap
Distance: 10 km
Time: 7 hours
Kesar Yon Chhaap Altitude: 3,980 m (13,058 ft)
On Day 5 of our trek from Zardung to Kesar Yon Chhaap, the beauty of the Miyar Valley reaches new heights. As we trek toward the source of the Miyar River, the valley’s natural wonders are on full display. One of the highlights of the day is crossing a wide, glacial stream flowing down from our right. The stream is cold and majestic, fanning out to a distance of almost half a kilometer. But that is not the end of the beauty.
Soon after crossing it, we reach a section of the terminal moraine of the Miyar glacier. It is an incredible sight – rows and rows of rocks and boulders lining the trail, left behind by the powerful force of the glacier. As we make our way across the moraine, we can feel the history of millions of years beneath our feet. The campsite at Kesar Yon Chhaap is truly enchanting. The name itself translates to seven holy waters, and it is easy to see why. There are seven lush, emerald-green lakes near our campsite, each with its unique charm and allure. As we explore the lakes in the evening, we are treated to a stunning display of nature’s artistry and beauty. Such a magical and unforgettable day ends with a peaceful and rejuvenating overnight stay in Kesar Yon Chhaap.
- Day 6 Rest and Acclimatization at Kesar Yon Chhaap
Kesar Yon Chhaap Altitude: 3,980 m (13,058 ft)
We’ll be spending the day in Kesar Yon Chhaap for rest and acclimatization, preparing ourselves for the upcoming trek to Miyar Glacier. Kesar Yon Chhaap is a serene and picturesque location to relax and revitalize oneself. Amidst the breathtaking mountains and the calm environs, we get to soak in the beauty of nature and gear up for the next adventure. Tomorrow, we’ll be heading to the Majestic Miyar glacier, all charged up and energized.
- Day 7 Kesar Yon Chhaap to Miyar Glacier Camp
Distance: 11 km
Time: 7 hours
Miyar Glacier Camp Altitude: 4,450 m (14,600 ft)
Today’s trail to Miyar Glacier Camp starts with an amazing change in the landscape! As we move ahead, we find the meadows replaced with moraine and scree. To our right, we head up the lateral moraine and climb on grassy slopes richly layered with beautiful wildflowers. After walking for about an hour or two, the trail starts descending slightly onto the moraine again. Here, we come across the Jungpada glacier, which originates from a subsidiary valley on our right. Stunning ice-covered rock cliffs engulf us as we cross the terminal moraine of the Jungpada glacier.
As we continue forward, we’ll climb through more scree and moraine, experiencing spectacular views and captivating surroundings until we finally reach the Miyar glacier. Our team will set up camp at a suitable spot on the glacier, and you can rest easy knowing that you just completed a truly amazing part of the trek.
- Day 8 Miyar Glacier Camp to Kang La Base Camp
Distance: 8 km
Time: 6 hours
Kang La Base Camp Altitude: 4,780 m (15,682 ft)
Today, we embark on a trek from the Miyar Glacier Camp that will take us all the way to Kang La Base Camp. After yesterday’s strenuous journey, today’s trek is a gentle climb up the Miyar Glacier. The glacier itself is incredibly fascinating, with its gradual gradient and mesmerizing Antarctic landscape.
We’ll walk right up the middle of the glacier to take in the breathtaking, exquisite surroundings reminiscent of the wild, untouched beauty of Antarctica. We guarantee the landscape will keep your soul energized throughout the day. We’ll set up camp on the glacier once again today, offering us a chance to truly immerse ourselves in this exquisite environment.
- Day 9Kang La Base Camp to Sumdo via Kang La
Distance: 17 km
Time: 10 hours
Kang La Altitude: 5,500 m (18,045 ft)
Sumdo Altitude: 4,400 m (14,436 ft)
We’ve reached the day of the pass! It’s going to be a long climb followed by an even longer descent, but trust us when we say that the views from the top are worth it. We’ll want to leave camp by first daylight or earlier. From there, we’ll walk along the middle of the huge snow-covered glacier at a gentle incline for about 3 hours before roping up. We’ll start out by walking along the left side of the glacier, all the way to the point where two glaciers converge at the head of the Miyar Valley. From there, we’ll continue along the glacier to our right, which leads to Kang La. Now, here’s the thing – the pass isn’t actually the obvious saddle you can see from the base. No, no. We’ll be skirting around the ridge on our left and climbing to the pass. And let us tell you – these heavily crevassed glacial slopes are no joke. You’ll need to be careful and alert as we navigate through them.
But once we’re at the top? It’s pure magic. We’ll be rewarded with a panoramic view of a sea of rock peaks that absolutely dominate the Zanskar region. Trust us when we say that it’s a sight you’ll never forget. Now, the descent is long, but don’t worry – after what you’ve just accomplished, you’ll be more than ready to curl up on some warm ground for a good night’s sleep. We’ll be descending along the glacier on this side of the pass (also heavily crevassed, so stay aware!), all the way to a confluence of two valleys at the snout of the glacier.
Keep in mind that this descent is fairly long after an 18,000 ft pass crossing, but we guarantee that the feeling of success you’ll have once you reach that small meadow is worth every bit of effort you’ll put in.
- Day 10Sumdo to Bardan & Drive to Padum
Distance: 15 km
Time: 8 hours
Bardan Altitude: 3,650 m (11,975 ft)
Padum Altitude: 3,570 m (11,712 ft)
This is our last day of trekking. Our trek for the day begins with a scenic descent along the beautiful Temasa Nallah, accompanied by breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, as we make our way toward the foot of the valley.
As we continue, you may start to notice signs of civilization returning, a testament to the resilience and perseverance of the locals in this harsh terrain. Their spirit and warmth inspire us as we reach the road ahead. There, we will board our vehicles for our next stop: Padum. Known as the largest village in the Zanskar Valley, Padum is a fascinating destination in itself, offering a glimpse into the rich history and culture of the Zanskar region. Our day ends with an overnight stay at a cozy guest house or hotel in Padum, where you can relax and recharge after achieving a significant feat.
- Day 11-Padum local sightseeing
As we continue onward toward zanskarvalley, we pass through the magnificent monasteries and the captivatingly verdant zanskar Valley. The area is renowned for being the Muslim heartland in the Buddhist-dominated region of Ladakh, which has played a significant cultural and social role over the years.
We will be left breathless by the fantastic scenic drive through the beautiful Zanskar Valley . Get ready to be captivated by the sheer beauty of our surroundings as we move from one attraction to another.our overnight stay at a cozy hotel.
- Day 12-padam to manali
Distance: 215 km
Time: 9 hours
Srinagar Altitude: 1,593 m (5,226 ft)
Our final leg of the journey takes us from padam to manali. Along this route, we will pass through some of the most scenic landscapes in all of zanskar valley.Our journey will be filled with photogenic moments, as we witness stunning valleys and mithy singula pass and enter in lahoul valley, meadows, hilltops, and mountains that are covered in a serene blanket of snow. This section of the drive has often been referred to as “Heaven on Earth” and it’s easy to understand why. As we arrive in manali, our incredible journey comes to an end. We’ll transfer you back to your hotel where you’ll have the rest of the day free to explore some of the sights of this beautiful city or just bask in the warmth of accomplishment after a successful trekking trip. The days of exploration and adventure on the Kang La Trek are sure to remain with you for years to come!
- Day 13Departure from manali-
